Light Guiding in Scattering Media Using Focused Laser-Induced Acoustic Waves with an Open Elliptical Reflector

Authors

Liu, Y., Shimada, K., Kitamura, K., Barrera, S., Ye, M., Ishijima, A., Nakagawa, K.

Abstract

Light scattering in biological tissue limits deep optical imaging. Acoustic waves can modulate optical properties and enhance photon delivery, but source-positioning requirements can complicate integration with other imaging modalities. Here, we present an open elliptical reflector that focuses laser-induced acoustic waves at a spatially separated target while maintaining open optical access. We characterized the spatiotemporal optical modulation induced by the localized acoustic focus. The system increased the local transmitted-light intensity by a factor of 2.57-fold through a 2-mm-thick 1% intralipid hydrogel and enhanced fluorescence signal under two-photon excitation through a 1.5-mm-thick scattering sample. These results demonstrate spatially separated, reflector-based acoustically assisted light guiding for enhanced light delivery and fluorescence excitation through scattering media.

Preprint server: bioRxiv
The authors list and abstract were imported from bioRxiv on 19 Sep 2026.

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